Ontario Strengthening Protections for Co-op Residents
McGuinty Government Taking Strong Action to Streamline Dispute Resolution Process
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Resolving disputes between residents and providers of co-op housing in Ontario would be easier as a result of legislation introduced by the province today.
Currently, disputes must go through the courts, and that can be costly and time consuming.
Under the proposed legislation, co-ops would be able to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to resolve tenure disputes that are now covered by the Residential Tenancies Act.
Co-op providers and residents would have most of the same protections and benefits available to landlords and tenants, including access to mediation services.
Making dispute resolution for co-op residents more efficient, cost-effective and transparent is part of the McGuinty government's plan to provide affordable and safe housing for Ontario families.
Quick Facts
- The legislation, if passed, would amend the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and the Co-operative Corporations Act.
- There are about 550 not-for-profit housing co-ops in Ontario with 44,000 households, representing almost 125,000 people.
- Non-profit co-ops have played a vital role in Ontario's affordable housing system since the 1970s.
Quotes
Co-operative housing providers play an important role in providing affordable housing to over 125,000 Ontarians. This proposed legislation will help co-op members and providers reduce extensive legal fees and result in quicker resolutions. "
Moving co-op housing tenure disputes from the courts to the Landlord and Tenant Board would improve the speed and fairness of the process for co-ops and their members. It would also serve the wider public interest by providing relief to the over-burdened court system and reduce public cost."
Dale Reagan